August 29,
2008: The U.S. Army has ordered 62 more
M1128 Stryker Mobile Gun System (MGS) vehicles [VIDEO], at a cost of about $5.3 million
each. The vehicle has a 105mm gun turret
mounted on it, as well as a 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine-gun. It weighs 19 tons.
The vehicle has a crew of three, and carries 18 rounds for the 105mm gun, 400
for the 12.7mm machine-gun, and 3,400 for the 7.62mm machine-gun.
The army
sent the first of its Stryker Mobile Gun Systems to Iraq last year [PHOTO]. The gun has
an automatic loader. The gun is stabilized, and can be fired on the move. Once
in Iraq, the gun performed well, providing accurate and effective firepower
when needed. There were some problems, however.
In order to
get all the gear needed for a 105mm gun into a Stryker vehicle, there was no
room for air conditioning. In summertime Iraq, this presents a problem. The
three man crew had to be equipped with something that would prevent heat
stroke. The solution was the "air conditioned suit" of legend, and
science fiction. Back in 2003, after three years of development, the U.S. Army
put into service the "Air Warrior Microclimate Cooling System." It's
a vest full of tiny tubes that carry cooled water (with some non-toxic
antifreeze added). Worn under the flak jacket, it keeps the trunk of the wearer
cool, thus greatly reducing the "heat load" and potential for heat
stroke or heat fatigue. It was originally meant to be used by pilots in smaller
(un-air-conditioned) helicopters or door gunners of larger choppers.
